BNC 970 Portable Multi-Channel Analyzer (MCA) - Manual (Page 32)

Model 970 Instruction Manual 29
4 Using the Library Editor
Two libraries are distributed with SNAP-MCA and SNAP-MCA Full. As a general rule, SNAP-
MCA is intended for NaI (Tl) detectors, and SNAP-MCA Full is intended for detectors with higher
resolution. Both were created from the same information, contained in “Radioactive Decay Data
Tables” by David C. Kocher, Report DOE/TIC-11026. The data was originally formatted for
computer by Grove Engineering from information provided by RSIC. SNAP-MCA Full contains all
information, while SNAP-MCA has had photons with lower energies and yields that are unlikely to
be seen by NaI (Tl) detectors removed to improve performance. Both libraries contain many
calculated multiplets as an aid. These can, of course, be edited or disabled.
Either library can be edited and saved under a different name, in order to create a new library file.
Isotopes and specific photon energies can be added, edited, or deleted.
The Library Editor can be opened by selecting Open Library Editor… under the Library Menu
from the SNAP-MCA Main Window.
When the Library Editor is opened, there is no Library file initially loaded for editing. Click on the
Open Lib.
button and select a library file for editing.
Once a library has been opened, select an individual isotope from the drop down list. All isotopes
in the Library are displayed in the list, and those that are currently enabled are shown with an
asterisk. After an isotope is selected, the screen will update to display that isotope’s information.
Use the Enabled or Disabled radio buttons to determine whether the particular isotope will be
used in the Library. Only enabled isotopes will be available in SNAP-MCA.